Your Genes May Make Starches Riskier for Tooth Decay

The number of copies of a specific gene affects your oral health, cavity risk, and how bacteria respond to starch in your mouth.
Your Genes May Make Starches Riskier for Tooth Decay
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Your morning toast may be a hidden cause of tooth trouble.

Scientists have mapped a surprising genetic connection between eating starch and oral bacteria, finding that the number of copies of a single gene can increase the risk of developing tooth decay, suggesting that people should be extra careful about brushing after eating starchy foods, just like they would with sugary ones.

George Citroner
George Citroner
Author
George Citroner reports on health and medicine, covering topics that include cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. He was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) award in 2020 for a story on osteoporosis risk in men.